#United States #New York #AI Impact #Siegel Family Endowment ##BlackTechFutures

Siegel Family Endowment Awards Over $16.3 Million in Grants

The Siegel Family Endowment, known for its commitment to enhancing societal impacts through technology, has announced a significant allocation of over $16.3 million in grants. This funding aims to bolster organizations committed to workforce innovation, infrastructure, and effective philanthropy. The announcement was made on December 17, 2024, in New York City, highlighting the foundation's strategic focus as technological advancements, especially in artificial intelligence (AI), continue to reshape various sectors.

Fostering Technological Understanding

According to Joshua Elder, vice president of grantmaking, the foundation emphasizes the need for understanding how emerging technologies are interfacing with education, work environments, and policy decisions. The foundation recognizes the importance of supporting organizations dedicated to human-centered approaches in technology application. The grants aim to encourage comprehensive research and innovation that directly benefits community enrichment and inclusion.

Recipient Organizations

Among institutions awarded grants are a diverse range of organizations that are influential in the tech and social impact spaces. Notable recipients include:

• - #BlackTechFutures Research Institute
• - All Tech Is Human
• - AFL-CIO Technology Institute
• - DevTech Research Group at Boston College
• - Khan Academy

These organizations are engaged in essential work that melds workforce development with technological implementation, thereby enhancing community outcomes and accessibility.

Exploration of AI in the Workforce

An essential focus of these grants is advancing the understanding of AI's implications for the workforce. Siegel has invested in initiatives that scrutinize how AI affects hiring, management, and overall worker experience. Collaborations with the Washington Center for Equitable Growth will fund research targeted at understanding AI's impact on labor dynamics. Additionally, MIT's Work of the Future Initiative is exploring technological changes in the workplace with a specific lens on generative AI.

Infrastructure for Public Interest Technology

Another vital aspect of Siegel's grants revolves around constructing a robust infrastructure for public interest technology. The foundation aims to cultivate an ecosystem conducive to innovation that serves society's needs. This includes a partnership with the Public Interest Technology University Network to develop talent pipelines and provide career opportunities for students in tech fields. Noteworthy is the grant supporting the Foundation for Civic Knowledge, which offers resources to mission-driven organizations, boosting nonprofits' technological capacities.

Commitment to Effective Philanthropy

The Siegel Family Endowment dedicates a component of its efforts to enhancing philanthropy through technology. Its support for initiatives like JustFund aims to streamline grantmaking processes, which can often be cumbersome within the nonprofit landscape. Furthermore, Candid is improving demographic data collection to inform better practices in the philanthropic community. The foundation collaborates with the GovLab on the Data4Philanthropy initiative, aiming to deepen understanding and innovative data utilization in the sector.

About Siegel Family Endowment

Founded in 2011 by David Siegel, co-chairman of financial sciences firm Two Sigma, the Siegel Family Endowment employs an inquiry-driven approach to philanthropy, advocating for risk investment in impactful projects. With a firm belief in the potential of innovation to address pressing societal challenges, the foundation continues to lead initiatives that equip individuals with the necessary tools and skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.